Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is “ready to help” municipalities deal with homeless encampments in their communities.
The comments after QP Briefing reported that the province’s big city mayors caucus is debating a motion asking for the provincial and federal governments to seek out intervenor status in cases that challenge municipalities’ powers to mange encampments. The motion would also call for more supportive housing for those facing homelessness, and mandatory treatment for people with severe mental health and addiction issues.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of large city mayors, and they’re all fed up. They want more power to deal with these encampments, and we’re ready to help,” Ford told reporters on Wednesday during an unrelated announcement in Toronto.
“We need to shelter these people. Once they get in the shelter and they’re healthy, then we can get them gainful employment, and they get on their feet and start moving forward like everyone else.”
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who joined Ford at the media event, agreed the motion is necessary but said shelters are financially inefficient and asked the province to come forward with permanent housing solutions, which she says would cost less and offer greater stability.
“I support the Big City Mayor’s caucus in their request. I am on their whatsApp group, ‘OBCM 2024’ and I’m very familiar with the challenges everyone is facing. It costs about $7,000 a month for someone to stay in a shelter, but only $1,000 a month for permanent housing,” Chow said.
“They [homeless people] don’t want to be soaking wet or cold. It’s better for everyone if we address this crisis.”
In response to a question about the part of the motion that asks for mandatory treatment for severe addiction and mental health issues, Ford stopped short of making a commitment, saying only that the idea can be considered.
“We have to look into it pretty deep, but I’m always open to any idea,” Ford noted.
He added that “My Minister [Michael] Tibollo is a big fan of it, but we have to look at it pretty deeply.”
The office of the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions did not reply to a request for comment by deadline.
Minister of Health Sylvia Jones has never completely ruled out involuntary treatment, but has expressed concerns about its efficacy in the past.
